The Embassy of Bangladesh in Manama has commemorated the International Mother Language Day (IMLD) for the second time this year by organising a well-attended event at the renowned Arab Open University. 

 

In addition to the presence of the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bahrain, Dr Md Nazrul Islam, the event was also attended by the Secretary-General & Deputy Chairperson of the Higher Education Council of Bahrain, Dr Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa as the Chief Guest. The President of Arab Open University, Dr Ghurmallah Al Ghamdi was the Guest of Honour. 

 

In his welcome remarks, Dr Islam explained how Bangladesh is intimately linked to the initiation of this internationally observed day by paying deep respects to the valiant language martyrs who, in a truly unprecedented event in the history of the world, sacrificed their lives during the language movement of 1952 to allow the people of Bangladesh to freely speak in their mother tongue. 

 

Role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

He also talked about the key role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the language movement and then lauded the leadership of HM the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince & Prime Minister of Bahrain for their efforts in fostering language diversity, multiculturalism, and peaceful coexistence – something that Bahrain shares with Bangladesh. 

 

The Ambassador concluded his speech by praising the talent and creativity of the schoolchildren who participated in the Embassy’s art competition on the occasion. 

 

The winners of the art competition were then awarded with medals and certificates. 

 

The next segment featured a cultural programme where the students of Bangladesh School Bahrain performed dances to three national songs. The Chief Guest then inaugurated the art exhibition. 

 

Significance of IMLD

In a post-event interview, the Ambassador stated that the Embassy arranged the art competition and the subsequent exhibition of the artworks for highlighting the significance of IMLD, namely its promotion of multilingualism and multiculturalism.

 

The exhibition of the schoolchildren’s artworks will be open to the public for the next two weeks at the ‘Colours of the East’ art gallery at the Seef Mall in Muharraq city.-- TradeArabia News Service